9600 GT card?

[Winter12345]

<p>Planning on buying a new computer but need some comments on wether it is an excellent system 4 eq2.</p><p>Well before i post the specs, my main question is, is the Geforce 9600 GT card a good one for EQ2? It is in the computer i want to buy and I know some of you may say "just make it a 8800" but that isnt what im looking for right now. The other computer I want to buy is more costly but it is Gateway. Is Gateway a good type for eq2? I'm guessing not because I haven't seen much people use it but just want feedback. The one with the 9600 GT card is listed bellow.</p><p><b>Processor & Memory:</b></p><ul><li>Intel® Core^TM 2 Quad Processor Q9300 (2.5GHz) </li><li>6MB L2 Cache </li><li>1333MHz Front Side Bus    </li><li>4GB DDR2-800 memory (2GB x 2)</li></ul><p><b>Motherboard:</b></p><ul><li>ASUS P5KPL-VM Mainboard </li></ul><p><b>Drives:</b></p><ul><li>500GB (7,200 RPM) SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive </li><li>20x max DVD±RW drive with Double Layer Support</li></ul><p><b>Graphics:  </b></p><ul><li>512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 9600 GT graphics card</li></ul><p><b>Communications:</b></p><ul><li>Gigabit Ethernet LAN</li></ul><p><b>Audio:</b></p><ul><li>Realtek ALC662 6-channel CODEC</li></ul><p><b>Keyboard & Mouse:</b></p><ul><li>Logitech Keyboard </li><li>Logitech Optical Mouse</li></ul><p><b>Expandability:</b></p><ul><li>3 x 5.25" drive bays (external) </li><li>8 x 3.5" drive bays (internal) </li><li>1 x 3.5" drive bays (external) </li><li>1 x PCIe x16 </li><li>1 x PCIe x1 </li><li>2 x PCI </li></ul><p><b>Ports:</b></p><ul><li>6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x top, 4 x rear) </li><li>1 x RJ-45 (LAN) </li><li>2 x Audio Jacks (top) </li><li>1 x DVI port </li><li>1 x VGA </li><li>2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) </li><li>6-channel audio I/O ports </li><li>1 x parallel port </li><li>1 x COM</li></ul><p><b>Operating System and Software:</b></p><ul><li>Microsoft Windows Vista^TM Home Premium (64-bit) </li><li>Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial) </li></ul><p><b>Additional Information:</b></p><ul><li>580-watt power supply </li><li>NZXT TEMPEST Gaming Tower </li><li>Blue interior case lighting </li><li>Dimensions: 20.5" H x 22.1" D x 8.3" W</li></ul><p>If anyone here has a computer they recommend just post the link 4 it. It has to be somewhere in the $100-$1300 range right now.</p>

[Winter12345]

<p>This is another one I'm thinking of buying, it isn't the costly one from the last post but another one that is cheaper than both.</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.live.intelus.webcollage.net/server/costco/intelus-showcase/standalone?wccgsite=costco" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Intel® Core^TM 2 Duo Processor</a>  E8400 (3.0GHz) </li><li>6MB L2 Cache </li><li>1333MHz Front Side Bus    </li><li>4GB DDR2-800 memory (2GB x 2); max capacity 4GB</li></ul><p><b>Motherboard:</b></p><ul><li>ASUS P5KPL-VM Mainboard </li></ul><p><b>Drives:</b></p><ul><li>320GB (7,200 RPM) SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive </li><li>20x max DVD±RW drive with Double Layer </li></ul><p><b>Graphics:</b>  </p><ul><li>1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8500 GT graphics card</li></ul><p><b>Communications:</b></p><ul><li>Gigabit Ethernet LAN</li></ul><p><b>Audio:</b></p><ul><li>Realtek ALC662 6-channel CODEC</li></ul><p><b>Keyboard & Mouse:</b></p><ul><li>Logitech Keyboard </li><li>Logitech Optical Mouse</li></ul><p><b>Expandability:</b></p><ul><li>4 x 5.25" drive bays (external) </li><li>2 x 3.5" drive bays (external) </li><li>5 x 3.5" drive bays (internal) </li><li>1 x PCI-e x16 </li><li>1 x PCI-e x1 </li><li>2 x PCI </li></ul><p><b>Ports:</b></p><ul><li>6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x front, 4 x rear) </li><li>1 x RJ-45 (LAN) </li><li>2 x Audio Jacks (front) </li><li>1 x VGA/D-SUB </li><li>1 x DVI port </li><li>2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse) </li><li>1 x COM port </li><li>6-channel audio I/O ports </li><li>1 x parallel port</li></ul><p><b>Operating System and Software:</b></p><ul><li>Microsoft Windows Vista^TM Home Premium (64-bit) </li><li>Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial) </li></ul><p><b>Additional Information:</b></p><ul><li>420-watt power supply </li><li>NZXT Alpha Gaming Tower </li><li>Blue interior case lighting</li></ul>

[Miladi]

I'd personally pick a better motherboard than that one. The Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L motherboard that I have is a great motherboard, especially if you want to overclock. Plus you get the benefit of having the option of 1066Mhz memory instead of 800.The E8400 is probably the better processor for EQ2 because the core speed is faster than the quad core you're looking at, and probably an 1/8th of the price.I'd stay as far away from Gateway computers as I possibly could, I state this as someone that worked for Gateway for a few months and saw what kind of crap they put into their boxes.Be aware, both the board I mentioned and the one you have listed don't have a PCI express 2.0 slot on them, the cards SHOULD work ok but not to their full potential. I knew this going in and just wanted to remind you of this if you weren't aware of it. Just be sure that the Power supply you're buying has enough amperage on the 12volt rails to support the video card you're buying. Wattage means nothing if there's not enough power where you need it.

[Winter12345]

<p>Ty for your reply, I'm so far thinking of going with the second computer specs i listed, faster processor than the more costly one.</p><p>Anyone else? I really need a lot of suggestions</p><p>P.S- Miladen on your concern about making sure you have enough <strike>watt supply</strike>,<strike> is a 420 watt supply enough</strike>?</p><p>Oh saw you wrote Volt not watt lol, do you know how i can check its volt power supply? this is the link to the computer (The one with the 1gig nvidia geforce 8500GT card)</p><p><a href="http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?ec=BC-EC23214-ProdID11288467&pos=1&whse=BC&topnav=&prodid=11288381&lang=en-US#" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...amp;lang=en-US#</a></p>

[UltimaDude]

My suggestion is to use the 8800GT, It has more pipelines than the 9600GT and is slightly cheaper or slightly costs more.

[Killustrator]

<cite>Miladian wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'd personally pick a better motherboard than that one. The Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L motherboard that I have is a great motherboard, especially if you want to overclock. Plus you get the benefit of having the option of 1066Mhz memory instead of 800.The E8400 is probably the better processor for EQ2 because the core speed is faster than the quad core you're looking at, and probably an 1/8th of the price.I'd stay as far away from Gateway computers as I possibly could, I state this as someone that worked for Gateway for a few months and saw what kind of crap they put into their boxes.Be aware, both the board I mentioned and the one you have listed don't have a PCI express 2.0 slot on them, the cards SHOULD work ok but not to their full potential. I knew this going in and just wanted to remind you of this if you weren't aware of it. Just be sure that the Power supply you're buying has enough amperage on the 12volt rails to support the video card you're buying. Wattage means nothing if there's not enough power where you need it.</blockquote><p>I agree with her:  I'd pass on a Gateway computer (unless it's a monitor).</p><p>My last computer was a Gateway and I had to send it in for repairs in less than six months.  Not only did they have to replace my graphic card and sound card, they also had to replace my motherboard.  A few months later, I took it to be upgraded, only to be told a pin on my processor was bent.  When Gateway replaced my motherboard, I guess they bent the CPU pin in the process.  No wonder I had irregular crashes.</p><p>And, to top it off, when they replaced my graphics card, they replaced the Nvidia 6800 with a Nvidia 5600.</p><p>If you're in the market for a pre-built rig, look elsewhere.  We just got a decent gaming laptop from Dell that seems to be pretty good.  As for a gaming desktop, I'm considering Cyberpower myself. </p><p>Whatever you decide, let us know, as I'm still in the market myself.</p>

[feldon30]

Shocked at the recommendation for an 8800 graphics card. EQ2 has MAJOR problems on 8800 cards. 16 page thread here:<a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=411077" target="_blank">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=411077</a>Also good advice to get a Dual Core with higher clock since EQ2 only uses 1 core. Quad Core is a waste. In many ways, a top-of-the-line 2008 computer will run EQ2 slower than a top-of-the-line 2006 computer.Also why Gateway? It's really not that hard to build a PC yourself or buy from a local PC builder. The worst computer you can buy is from a "big name". Dell and Gateway quality are the pits these days.

[Dreyco]

Dell has some great deals on systems for sale right now, their mid range XPS Running only about 1300 dollars for some really, really nice hardware and a warranty to go with it.I'd strongly recommend them.  My XPS has always worked great for me.

[Tolly]

I use the Nvidia 9600gt while its not as good as an 8800 or 9800. Its a very good card for the price. I got the beta version of the New driver and I usually run with 45 fps on Quality settings.

[Blakkmantis]

<cite>Dreyco wrote:</cite><blockquote>Dell has some great deals on systems for sale right now, their mid range XPS Running only about 1300 dollars for some really, really nice hardware and a warranty to go with it.I'd strongly recommend them.  My XPS has always worked great for me.</blockquote>I had to post here on this, as I actually have 2 Dell XPS 420's in the house here, and haven't had a lick of trouble with either. 

[feldon30]

I guess I was commenting more on entry-level and even mid-level Dell laptops. Their desktops are obviously fine. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />My HP laptop plays EQ2 very well.

[ZThoth]

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Shocked at the recommendation for an 8800 graphics card. EQ2 has MAJOR problems on 8800 cards. 16 page thread here:<a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=411077" target="_blank">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=411077</a>Also good advice to get a Dual Core with higher clock since EQ2 only uses 1 core. Quad Core is a waste. In many ways, a top-of-the-line 2008 computer will run EQ2 slower than a top-of-the-line 2006 computer.Also why Gateway? It's really not that hard to build a PC yourself or buy from a local PC builder. The worst computer you can buy is from a "big name". Dell and Gateway quality are the pits these days.</blockquote>My wife and I both run 8800GT's (she's on Vista, I'm on XP) no problems at all.  The 8800GT is a better card than the 9600, for the same price.

[Otha]

<cite>Azag@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Shocked at the recommendation for an 8800 graphics card. EQ2 has MAJOR problems on 8800 cards. 16 page thread here:<a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=411077" target="_blank">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=411077</a>Also good advice to get a Dual Core with higher clock since EQ2 only uses 1 core. Quad Core is a waste. In many ways, a top-of-the-line 2008 computer will run EQ2 slower than a top-of-the-line 2006 computer.Also why Gateway? It's really not that hard to build a PC yourself or buy from a local PC builder. The worst computer you can buy is from a "big name". Dell and Gateway quality are the pits these days.</blockquote>My wife and I both run 8800GT's (she's on Vista, I'm on XP) no problems at all.  The 8800GT is a better card than the 9600, for the same price.</blockquote>Same here.I had a 9600 but I decided to get the 8800 instead. The 9600 was running too hot(83 degrees) and giving me some other problems. Got the 8800 GT G92 and it is working a lot better, only runs around 56 degrees full load too.

[Miladi]

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Shocked at the recommendation for an 8800 graphics card. EQ2 has MAJOR problems on 8800 cards. 16 page thread here:<a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=411077" target="_blank">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=411077</a>Also good advice to get a Dual Core with higher clock since EQ2 only uses 1 core. Quad Core is a waste. In many ways, a top-of-the-line 2008 computer will run EQ2 slower than a top-of-the-line 2006 computer.Also why Gateway? It's really not that hard to build a PC yourself or buy from a local PC builder. The worst computer you can buy is from a "big name". Dell and Gateway quality are the pits these days.</blockquote>I've been using an 8800GT and I don't have the problems others have stated in that thread. Most of the posts in there are months old and since they've introduced the reuse vertex buffers option the problems have mostly gone away now.